Condition - Sinusitis

By Cathy Robinson BSc DipNutMed

Sinuses are thin, air-filled chambers situated in the cartilage around the nose, both sides of the forehead, between nasal passages, between eye sockets and in cheekbones. They are interconnected and also connect with the nasal passages. Inflammation of the sinuses is called sinusitis and results in a blockage of the natural sinus secretions. This congestion leads to a build-up of mucus and swollen tissues, which can cause symptoms such as headache, pain over the affected sinus, bad breath, feeling of fullness in the ears and a runny or blocked nose. While acute sinusitis commonly follows a cold or flu, and is triggered by a bacterial infection, chronic sinusitis is associated more with food or airborne allergies. When the mucous is greenish or yellowish it indicates infection but when it is clear it’s most likely the result of allergies.

Increase fresh, wholefoods in the diet including a wide variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, wholegrains such as brown rice and quinoa, pulses and legumes

Eat foods that are plentiful in vitamin C such as oranges, kiwi, red and green peppers, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and sweet potato

Foods which may be particularly beneficial are garlic, onions, chillies, ginger, horseradish, mustard and pineapple

Avoid mucus-forming foods and foods which are common allergens such as dairy products, eggs, wheat, fried and fatty foods, pastries, sugar, chocolate, beer and food additives

Avoid coffee, tea and alcohol which can be mucus-forming

Fresh vegetable and fruit juices can be very cleansing to the system, e.g. carrot, pineapple, papaya and apple

Drink plenty of fluids such as herb teas, mineral water or vegetable juices

Other advice

Inhalation is a tried and tested way to relieve blocked sinuses. Add oil of eucalyptus, thyme or cloves to a bowl of almost-boiling water, cover your head with a towel, close your eyes and inhale for 10 minutes